Bolton hand Dynamo Charities Cup loss

The Houston Dynamo experienced their first Dynamo Charities Cup loss in the challenge’s three-year history on Wednesday night, dropping a 2-0 result to English Premier League side Bolton Wanderers at Robertson Stadium. The game did, however, draw a record crowd for the annual event, as 13,612 were on hand to see Ivan Klasnic and Bolton captain Kevin Davies score for the English side.

Both teams held their own in a match that saw the Houston Dynamo run out just two starters from last Saturday's game against Kansas City. Houston battled Bolton for the possession and equaled the EPL side with 12 shots on the night. While the run of play was close, the difference in the game was Bolton’s ability to create quality chances. Bolton bested Houston 6-2 in shots on goal to test Houston reserve goalkeeper Tyler Deric.

The scoring started in the 32nd minute when Klasnic beat Houston defender Eddie Robinson in the box. Davies — who finished the night with a goal and an assist — flicked on an attacking throw that found Klasnic’s head, giving the EPL side a first-half lead.

Davies then added the winner in the 58th minute when he took advantage of an open-net opportunity. Deric came way off his line but failed to get to a through ball that released Martin Petrov into space. Petrov played a strong ball through the box, and after Robinson was unable to make a clearance across his body, Davies was waiting to tap in Wanderers' second.

Houston’s best chance came in the 77th minute. Brad Davis — who came on in the 75th minute for an injured Robinson — sent one of his patented left-footed crosses through the 18-yard box. After being knocked around, the ball found its way to Danny Cruz, who fired a low, left-footed shot to the near post to force Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to make a diving save — one of only two on the night for the Finnish international. Jason Garey also had a goal disallowed for an offside decision.

The win caps Bolton’s U.S. tour with two wins and a loss. Houston continues MLS play on Saturday night when the Dynamo travel to Los Angeles for the second of their series with Chivas USA, whom they beat 2-1 in Houston on June 11.